THE FEDERATION COMMISSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11571, 8 February 1901, Page 5

THE FEDERATION COMMISSION

' [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Invercargill, Thursday. Before the Federation Commission to-day, Mr. G. W. Nichol, grain merchant, said the principal advantages of federation: would .be. free trade, and we would have a field for our manufactures. .He thought , we were; able to hold our own against any part of the Empire, so far as manufactures are.con-i cerned. Even now our woollen, goods were used in Australia, with a Customs barrier.' He believed federation would promote similar labour legislation to ours throughout'thecolonies, and it would be better for the employer and the employed. Mr. Maitland Jones, manager for Walter Guthrie and Co., speaking from an ironfounder's standpoint, said federation would: adversely affect that industry ;- candle-mak-' ing and jam-making would.also be affected. Labour was paid about 25 per cent, higher here than in Australia. ; He favoured' reciprocity. " Messrs. J. C. MacLeay and J. W. Raymond gaye evidence. Both i were strongly \ against federation. /The latter made light of the cry that- the oat trade was sufficient reason for federating. '.'■■ Of those called here fom" advocated federation and four opposed," and six pronounced no definite opinions. ',-..".. „ The Commission .opens in Dunedincn. Saturday morning.;